05 Nov PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Week

Becoming a parent is truly a life changing experience.

There are incredible feelings of joy, happiness and elation but the polarity of fear, anxiety and overwhelm can also be present.

As you welcome your new addition, you are tasked with adapting to a new feeding, sleeping and settling schedule. Add other children and work commitments into the mix and this can be a truly exhausting time.

For many, with routines established, the baby blues pass and life continues but for others, the experience of both anxiety and depression linger.

One of the greatest challenges every parent faces with their child is knowing what is ‘normal’ and what is not. This is also applicable in understanding their own mental wellbeing.

In Australia, we have made significant progress in raising awareness around parental mental health. However, not everyone is aware of the signs and symptoms and importantly when to seek help.

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety Depression Australia)

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety Depression Australia) operate Australia’s only National Helpline for Men, Women and families struggling with perinatal anxiety and depression. They have helped thousands of mums and dads access vital information, support and treatment to aid their recovery.

As not for profit organisation, PANDA rely on the funds raised through their ‘Lunch Out Loud Campaign’ and other community inniatives to distribute crucial information and resources.

According to their research;

1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men experience antenatal depression.

1 in 7 new mums and up to 1 in 10 new dads experience postnatal depression

Postnatal and antenatal anxiety is just as common and many expecting or new parents can experience both anxiety and depression at the same time. This can be a frightening and isolating experience.

PANDA & Elysian

PANDA’s awareness raising campaign roll’s out across Australia from 12th – 18th November and the Elysian Integrative Psychotherapy Clinic is proudly supporting this cause.

As registered psychotherapists, we will be offering free psychotherapy & counselling from the 12th – 17th November for anyone who is struggling and needs support. Bookings are essential. All we ask in return, is that a small donation even the price of a cup of coffee be made directly our PANDA link to help support them in continuing the incredible work they do in the community.

The week will finish with our ‘Lunch Out Loud’ event on Friday 18th November from 11am – 2pm at the clinic where will be providing community education, resources and information from PANDA specific for both men and women.

Helen O'Byrne

helen@elysianpsychotherapy.com.au

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Elysian Blog

The content in our blog is written by our psychotherapists Helen O'Byrne and Kristin Hall.

Having both experienced the deep changes that therapy can bring, their passion is to make therapy accessible for all who need it, not just in times of crisis but when we are seeking deeper connection within ourselves and with others.